Ecologix Learning Center

Ants & Termites

How to tell the difference between an Ant and a TermiteEntomologists refer to winged ants and termites as alates. The alate is an adult, sexually mature stage in the ant or termite life cycle. Alates develop in the colony from immature stages prior to the flight season. When the alates receive the proper cues (warm temperatures, bright sunlight, low winds) they will leave the colony and fly away to start their own colonies.

The exodus of alates from a colony, known as a dispersal nuptial flight, is commonly referred to as swarming; so alates are often referred to as swarmers. Male and female termites shed their wings and will pair up when a suitable mate is found. Then they will search for a suitably damp piece of wood or soil where they will start their new colony. When termites swarm they are often mis-identified as "flying ants". This is a common mistake because termite alates look very much like ants. There are three differences:

Ant Alate

Elbowed antennae

Fore wings larger than hind wings

Constricted waist

Termite Alate

Beaded antennae

Fore wings and hind wings same size

Broad waist

Which ants are likely to be found in your home?

Although there are thousands of different ant species, there are relatively few that we commonly see as pests. These include:

Acrobat Ant (Crematogaster ashmeadi)

Only 1/8 inch long, the Acrobat Ant is very common. Its name arises from its erratic and rapid movement, and habit of not following trails as often as other ants.

Large numbers of Acrobat Ants can be found nesting in branches and stems and other cavities of trees and shrubs (Swoboda and Miller 2003). Acrobat Ants do not cause structural damage or present risks to humans but are an annoyance inside the home.

Florida Carpenter Ant (Camponotus floridanus)

About 1/5-4/9 long, Florida Carpenter Ants swarm from spring to fall. They forage in yards, porches, patios and occasionally inside homes. Because of their swarming, they are often mistaken for termites. Unlike termites, however, carpenter ants may bite if handled and can cause structural damage.

Carpenter ants are so named because they do excavate and will nest in existing voids and in attics. This species does not do structural damage, but may be a sign of preexisting damage.

Pharaoh Ants (Monomorium pharaonis)

The worker ants are 1/16” long and the Queen is 1/8 - 1/4 long, both are a yellow-brown color. Pharaoh Ants originate from the tropics and require artificial heat in order to survive and reproduce and tend to live in large heated buildings such as hospitals, hotels and apartments. The Pharaoh ant is one of the most difficult ant species to control.

Once a worker has located a food source, it lays a chemical trail from the food to the nest (Haack and Granovsky 1990). These ants are attracted to sweet and fatty foods, which may be used to determine their presence. Pharaoh ants will nest in the oddest places, such as between sheets of stationary, layers of bed linen and clothes, in appliances, or even piles of trash (Ebeling 1978).

How to Get Rid of AntsThere are a wide range of Do-It-Yourself pest control products, such as ant spray and ant bait products available for treating ants. The most effective way to get rid of ants is to get rid of the ants nest. Do-It-Yourself products just aren't effective at destroying the nest.

If you have a recurring problem or a more serious ant infestation, we recommend that you contact Ecologix to get rid of the ants for you.

Getting Rid of Ants ProfessionallyEcologix technicians understand the habits of each ant species and use that knowledge when developing an ant control program, which is best suited to your home and your particular ant problem. Our technicians are state certified, licensed applicators and are required to participate in regular training programs to maintain their expertise.

We pride ourselves on fast, responsive service every day. We are always available 24 hours a day for any emergency pest concerns that may develop and all appointments are scheduled at times that are convenient for you.

Call Ecologix Pest Elimination at (727) 487-1987 for further advice on how to get rid of ants or to arrange a free inspection by an Ecologix technician.

Rodent Control & Removal

As we approach cooler temperatures, rats and mice will be looking for a warm and safe harborage. Your humble abode is prime real estate to these rodents. Take heed because they contaminate ten times as much food as they eat with urine, droppings, hair, and saliva. In addition they can carry up to ten different kinds of diseases including the Bubonic Plague, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), Rabies, Murine Typhus, Rat Bite Fever, Spriochetal Jaundice, and Bacterial Food Poisoning. Rats and mice can also start fires by gnawing electrical wires in homes and businesses. Here are some important signs to be aware of:

Droppings

Droppings in and around buildings are how most people first recognize they have a rodent problem. Fresh droppings are black and putty like. As droppings age they dry out and turn brown to grey. The Hantavirus is contracted by breathing in dust that rodent fecal matter (droppings / scat), urine, or saliva has come into contact with. The Hantavirus is a serious infection that gets worse quickly. Lung failure can occur and may lead to death. Even with aggressive treatment, more than half of people who have this disease in their lungs die.

Ecologix offers:

Trapping and Removal Service for Rats, Mice, Squirrels, Raccoons, and Opossum / Possums

Rodent Dropping Removal

Exclusion Work / Structural Modifications to eliminate rodent entry points in and around homes, business, and structures.